A HOSPITAL worker is to tackle the Great North Run for the seventh time to raise funds for a charity close to her heart.

Judith Masterman, 51, from Northallerton, will be raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society when she runs the half-marathon with her daughters Amanda and Katie on Sunday.

The trio are running in honour of Mrs Masterman’s mother Frances, who was diagnosed with dementia five years ago.

During her working life, Frances was an occupational therapist at Winterton Mental Hospital and always had an interest in mental health. Now 90-years-old, she lives in a care home in Easington.

Mrs Masterman said: ”I chose to run for Alzheimer’s Society as think it’s really important to raise awareness of dementia, and the effect that it has not only on the person, but also their family. The day we put mum in a care home was without a doubt the worst day of my life. It broke my heart.

“When I visit her she no longer knows me as her daughter, but she understands that I’m not a stranger. She’ll often tell me that I look just like her.”

Mrs Masterman first took part in the race more than 15 years ago and returned to running last year to celebrate her 50th birthday.

She added: “Although I enjoy the feeling of achievement you get when you cross the finish line, the most important thing to me is raising money for a worthwhile cause, and knowing that I’ve done my bit in helping to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.”